Pies play hardball

DEVONPORT has played hardball with its closest NTFL rivals by denying clearance applications for two of the club's most prized possessions.

Aaron McNab and Sam Borlini were seeking a return to their former regional clubs on the eve of the season, with McNab wishing to rejoin Latrobe and Borlini wanting to go back to East Devonport.

But with one year remaining on their respective two-year contracts at the Magpies, the requests have been rejected.

The Devonport Football Club released a statement last night which entailed the reasons for its decision.

"Aaron and Sam both willingly signed two-year contracts at the commencement of the 2013 season to ensure their benefits for two years and as a consequence, still have a year to run on their respective contracts," the statement read.

"The DFC has acted in good faith and been very fair and accommodating to both players in their time at the club and will have no issue clearing either or both to whichever club they choose at the conclusion of their 2014 season contracts.

"The DFC believes after discussions with both players that sizeable financial inducements have been offered in an attempt to have them walk out on the club and their teammates on the eve of the first roster match.

"For the DFC to be expected to roll over and clear contracted players just days before the season starts is something we will not contemplate."

Magpies coach Max Brown said despite the distraction, his team is ready for its TSL season-opener against Western Storm on Saturday at Aurora Stadium.

"In all the adversity the boys still come to training and it doesn't affect them too much. I'm very pleased with their attitude," he said.

"We're ready for the season and if we get towelled up on Saturday, it won't be because we're not prepared."

NO CLEARANCE: Devonport’s Aaron McNab has been denied a clearance to rejoin Latrobe. Picture: Katrina Dodd.